Search.abclauncher.com is a fake and insecure search engine. Security experts know it as a browser hijacker that might attack Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and other browsers. It was classified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) due to these reasons:

This annoying application hijacks web browsers when a user incorrectly installs freeware. On the affected system, it typically modifies Windows registry and shortcuts in order to boot with system startup and prevent users from simple Search.abclauncher.com removal.

When a user opens the hijacked web browser, he or she might find this new domain on the main page. Nevertheless, this search tool might look legitimate; you should not let it stay. This search tool might let you browse through the irrelevant and insecure websites.

The main suspicions about Search.abclauncher.com virus should arise when you try to learn more about developers, read Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Normally, Google prevents from visiting these pages and delivers a security alert saying that connection is not private and attackers “might be trying to steal your information from www.abclauncher.com (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards).”

It goes without saying that such alert should not be avoided. The research also revealed that this shady tool is created for aggressive advertising purposes only. Thus, you should not expect it to bring the best search results from the web and enhance your browsing experience.

Once you are redirected to search results page, at the top of the list, you will see numerous ads. In order to see organic links, you will need to scroll to the middle of the page. However, inattentive users may not notice little letters saying that this content is sponsored and visit unknown websites.

The problem with commercial content is that it is potentially dangerous. Ads and links might lead to high-risk or misleading internet sites. Here you might be tricked into installing suspicious programs or involved in various cyber crimes. Thus, you should remove Search.abclauncher.com in order to reduce the chance to encounter Trojan, ransomware or other malware.[2]

Apart from that, the hijacker might also cause problems with redirects. Your browsing sessions might be disturbed by numerous redirects to various promotional sites. Typically, it redirects to abclauncher.com. However, the analysis showed that PUP might also force users to visit gaming, gambling or even websites for adults.

Such annoying activities should motivate you to achieve Search.abclauncher.com removal. We suggest speeding up the procedure with Reimage or another anti-malware.

Search.abclauncher.com virus spreads in software bundles and after infiltration hijacks targeted browser's settings. Remove Search.abclauncher.com from WindowsClick 'Start -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features' (if you are 'Windows XP' user, click on 'Add/Remove Programs').Remove Search.abclauncher.com from WindowsIf you are 'Windows 10 / Windows 8' user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once 'Quick Access Menu' shows up, select 'Control Panel' and 'Uninstall a Program'.Remove Search.abclauncher.com from WindowsRight click on each of suspicious entries and select 'Uninstall'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from WindowsRight click on browsers' icon and select 'Properties'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from WindowsSelect 'Shortcut' tab and delete 'http://isearch.babylon.com...' or other suspicious URLRemove Search.abclauncher.com from Mac OS XCick 'Go' and select 'Applications'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Mac OS XClick on every malicious entry and select 'Move to Trash'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Internet ExplorerClick on menu icon and select 'Manage add-ons'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Internet ExplorerRight click on each of malicious entries and select 'Disable'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Internet ExplorerDelete malicious URL, enter your desired domain name and click 'Apply' to save changesReset Internet ExplorerGo to 'Advanced' tab and click on 'Reset' button. Now select 'Delete personal settings' and click on 'Reset' button againRemove Search.abclauncher.com from Microsoft EdgeGo to Settings and select 'Choose what to clear'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Microsoft EdgeSelect 'Clear' buttonRemove Search.abclauncher.com from Microsoft EdgeOpen the start menu and select 'Task Manager'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Microsoft EdgeRight-click 'Microsoft Edge' and select 'Go to details'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Microsoft EdgeSelect 'More details' if 'Go to details' option fails to show upRemove Search.abclauncher.com from Microsoft EdgeFind Microsoft Edge entries and select 'End Task'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Microsoft EdgeGo to Microsoft Edge folder on your computer, right-click every entry and click 'Delete'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Microsoft EdgeFind Windows PowerShell, right-click it and select 'Run as administrator'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Microsoft EdgeCopy and paste a required command and press 'Enter'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Mozilla FirefoxClick on menu icon and select 'Add-ons'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Mozilla FirefoxSelect 'Extensions' and look for malicious entries. Click 'Remove' to get rid of each of themRemove Search.abclauncher.com from Mozilla FirefoxWhen in 'General' tab, delete malicious URL from 'Home Page' section or click on 'Restore to Default' button. Click 'OK' to save changesReset Mozilla FirefoxClick on menu icon and then on '?'. Select 'Troubleshooting Information'Reset Mozilla FirefoxClick on 'Reset Firefox' button for a couple of timesRemove Search.abclauncher.com from Google ChromeClick on menu icon. Select 'Tools' and 'Extensions'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Google ChromeLook for malicious entries and delete each of them by clicking on the Trash bin iconRemove Search.abclauncher.com from Google ChromeAfter clicking on menu and 'Settings', select 'Set pages'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Google ChromeClick 'X' to remove malicious URLsRemove Search.abclauncher.com from Google ChromeWhen in 'Settings', select 'Manage search engines...'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Google ChromeClick 'X' to remove malicious URLsReset Google ChromeWhen in 'Settings', scroll down to 'Reset browser settings' button and click on itReset Google ChromeClick on 'Reset' button to complete your removalRemove Search.abclauncher.com from SafariClick on 'Safari' and select 'Preferences'Remove Search.abclauncher.com from SafariGo to 'Extensions' and uninstall malicious add-onsRemove Search.abclauncher.com from SafariWhen in 'General', delete malicious URL and enter your desired domain nameReset SafariClick on 'Safari' and select 'Reset Safari...'Reset SafariSelect all options and click on 'Reset' button

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Bundling – the main way of hijacker’s distribution

ABC Launcher is distributed as an extra component in software packages. You can find the offer to replace your current search provider with this one when installing various programs downloaded from the internet. However, in order to spot and stop it, you need to choose the right installation settings.

The main advantage of bundling is that it allows hiding PUP under “quick” settings. This setup is widely used among users. Thus, authors of such programs take advantage of this bad habit. To protect your PC from undesired apps, you have to opt for Advanced/Custom installation settings and deselect pre-selected optional programs.

These tips should be followed in order to avoid Search.abclauncher.com hijack and installation of thousands of other PUPs that are currently being spread the same way. Nevertheless, the hijacker mostly aims at English-speaking users; some hijacks were spotted in Germany[3] and France.

Deletion of the Search.abclauncher.com virus

At the end of the article, you will find manual Search.abclauncher.com removal instructions. They will help to find and delete all hijacker-related components from the device. Make sure that you delete all programs, files and browser extensions.

However, if you rush and leave some virus-related entries, you may not succeed. In order to avoid failure and save your time, we suggest automatic elimination option. To remove Search.abclauncher.com automatically, you will need a professional anti-malware. Just run a full system scan with an updated tool and let it delete hijacker for you.

We might be affiliated with any product we recommend on the site. Full disclosure in our Agreement of Use. By Downloading any provided Anti-spyware software to remove Search.abclauncher.com virus you agree to our privacy policy and agreement of use.

What to do if failed?
If you failed to remove infection using Reimage, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.

Reimage is recommended to uninstall Search.abclauncher.com virus. Free scanner allows you to check whether your PC is infected or not. If you need to remove malware, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage malware removal tool. More information about this program can be found in Reimage review.

Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Windows systems

Reimage is a tool to detect malware.You need to purchase Full version to remove infections.

Check the list of installed programs in Control Panel. If you find some unknown programs there, uninstall them immediately. They might be responsible for bringing hijacker to the computer.

Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).

If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.

Uninstall Search.abclauncher.com and related programs
Here, look for Search.abclauncher.com or any other recently installed suspicious programs.

Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.

Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Windows shortcuts
Right click on the shortcut of Mozilla Firefox and select Properties.

Go to Shortcut tab and look at the Target field. Delete malicious URL that is related to your virus.

Repeat steps that are given above with all browsers' shortcuts, including Internet Explorer and Google Chrome. Make sure you check all locations of these shortcuts, including Desktop, Start Menu and taskbar.

Remove Search.abclauncher.com from Safari

Reimage is a tool to detect malware.You need to purchase Full version to remove infections.

In order to get rid of all virus-related components, you have to remove suspicious extensions and reset Safari.

Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences.

Here, select Extensions and look for Search.abclauncher.com or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.

Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Open your Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu section. Here, select Preferences as it was displayed previously and select General.

Here, look at the Homepage field. If it was altered by Search.abclauncher.com, remove unwanted link and enter the one that you want to use for your searches. Remember to include the "http://" before typing in the address of the page.

Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari....

Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete Search.abclauncher.com removal process.